Rain pushed the event a year ago to Sunday, and NASCAR and track officials liked having Daytona 500 pole qualifying and the Clash as a doubleheader on the same day. If you're a big NASCAR fan, you're probably saying that it's about time.

The full Daytona 500 starting lineup will be established on Thursday in the Can-Am qualifying duels. It's not a super important change and obviously has no bearing on the race itself, but for a sport that has been savaged by fans for changing from the way it used to be, returning to a name that has a nostalgic feel to it was nearly universally well-received. His past triumph on the track and his speed this weekend will make him one to watch as Speedweeks continue.

NEXT UP: Final Daytona 500 practice, 3:05 p.m. ET.

NASCAR moved the race to Sunday afternoon after several years of it being scheduled for Saturday night. Stenhouse won two plate races last season, at Talladega in the spring and at Daytona in July. Seeing it back under the sun is a welcome sight and sets the right tone for what should be a thrilling Speedweeks. Joey Logano and Erik Jones will be in the second row, with Jimmie Johnson and Martin Truex Jr. lined up behind them.